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Commissioners approve up to 10,000 tons of ABC rock, discuss sales-tax plan and culvert/bridge inventory
Summary
Commissioners approved buying up to 10,000 tons of ABC rock from Whitaker Quarries at $9.70 per ton and discussed using the new road sales tax to prioritize culvert and bridge work and larger projects including matching grant opportunities.
The Neosho County Commission approved a purchase of up to 10,000 tons of ABC rock from Whitaker Quarries at $9.70 per ton delivered, a purchase the road superintendent described as a favorable price that helps preserve county equipment and keep crews busy.
The motion to approve the purchase was made and seconded; a commissioner moved to "approve the purchase of up to 10,000 tons of ABC rock from Whitaker quarries at $9.70 per ton delivered," and the motion carried. Commissioners noted Whitaker’s practice of billing for rock only and hauling at no charge as a generous arrangement that reduced overall delivered cost.
Separately, the board discussed the recently approved local road sales tax that took effect Jan. 1 and the need to develop a multi-year plan for allocating proceeds. Commissioners said they expect the county’s first sales-tax receipts in April and urged setting priorities before the first disbursement, including reserving funds for known needs such as a bridge project east of Fairview and establishing a bank of funds for grant matches.
Commissioners also discussed creating an inventory of the county’s culverts and small bridges (structures under 20 feet). Multiple commissioners and staff said a documented inventory—site photos, measurements and condition assessments—would help prioritize preventative replacement and make the county more competitive for state and federal grants.
The board identified candidate road segments and rural-highway safety projects to consider for matching funds and grant applications, including specific roads in the county’s high-risk rural road program and areas near schools. Staff said they will prepare lists and preliminary cost estimates for the board to consider.
No additional formal votes were taken on a sales-tax allocation plan at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to develop prioritized project lists and estimated budgets before making allocation decisions.
